Criminal Lawyer Blog

Review of civilian oversight of police positive, system in need of change

A review into civilian oversight of police in Ontario is long overdue because the system is “problematic” and in need of vast change, says Toronto criminal lawyer Matthew Friedberg.

“I think it’s great that the system is being reviewed because there is room for a huge amount of improvement,” he tells AdvocateDaily.com.

“The system as it is currently set up is not geared toward real transparency.”

The review, which includes a series of public consultations, is being led by Justice Michael Tulloch and has a broad mandate to recommend ways to enhance accountability and transparency, reports the Canadian Press. Tulloch is to report to the attorney general by March 31, 2017. The review panel has already met privately with interested parties, including police representatives and families of victims, and is also asking for written input, says the article.